How common are engine problems on the 2018 Kia Stinger?

NHTSA lists 28 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Stinger, which is 41% of the 68 total complaints filed for that model year, the highest engine complaint share of any Stinger year on record.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Kia Stinger engine?

Yes. Recall 24V169000, reported in 2024, covers 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles with the 3.3-liter turbo engine whose left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate. Dealers replace the pipe and hose assembly free of charge.

At what mileage do 2018 Stinger engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for engine-area complaints on the 2018 Stinger is 44,350 miles.

Are the engine problems dangerous?

NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2018 Stinger includes 4 fire reports, 1 crash, and 2 injuries, though not all of these are confirmed to be engine-caused.

Do later Stinger model years have fewer engine complaints?

Yes. Engine complaint share drops in later years: 27% in 2019, 38% in 2020, 24% in 2021, 22% in 2022, and 0% in 2023.

2018 Kia Stinger Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 28 engine complaints for the 2018 Kia Stinger, 41% of its 68 total complaints that year, the highest share of any Stinger model year. A related recall (24V169000) covers a turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose that can deteriorate and leak.

Engine complaints: 28; 41% of 68
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 4
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 44,350 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of power and engine knocking that worsened over time, in one case leading to an engine replacement that did not fix the problem.
Some describe a check engine light-free misfire on cylinder 3, burnt spark plugs, and low oil, with the dealer saying the engine could not hold pressure and needed replacement.
Several report the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or dropping speed while driving on the highway, sometimes while adaptive cruise control was active.
Owners report antifreeze smell and oil leaking from the engine while parked, traced to a timing chain pan needing replacement.
Some report intermittent total loss of power at low speed or while stopped in an intersection, requiring the car to be turned off and restarted.
One owner reports a turbo-related loss of power during acceleration attributed to a fuel pump issue.

When 2018 Kia Stinger engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 28, 2018, latest Aug 7, 2026.

28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2018 to Aug 2026; peak Mar 2024 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Kia Stinger

NHTSA 24V169000Mar 1, 2024Engine36,248 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger:hoses/plumbing
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K900, and 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC300.

Engine complaints by Stinger model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201828 (41%)
201912 (27%)
20206 (38%)
20214 (24%)
20224 (22%)
20230 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2018 Kia Stinger?: NHTSA lists 28 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Stinger, which is 41% of the 68 total complaints filed for that model year, the highest engine complaint share of any Stinger year on record.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Kia Stinger engine?: Yes. Recall 24V169000, reported in 2024, covers 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles with the 3.3-liter turbo engine whose left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate. Dealers replace the pipe and hose assembly free of charge.
At what mileage do 2018 Stinger engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for engine-area complaints on the 2018 Stinger is 44,350 miles.
Are the engine problems dangerous?: NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2018 Stinger includes 4 fire reports, 1 crash, and 2 injuries, though not all of these are confirmed to be engine-caused.
Do later Stinger model years have fewer engine complaints?: Yes. Engine complaint share drops in later years: 27% in 2019, 38% in 2020, 24% in 2021, 22% in 2022, and 0% in 2023.